Public Safety Statement on Thousand Oaks Tragedy

PITTSBURGH, PA (Nov. 8, 2018) – It is with heavy hearts that Pittsburgh residents and Public Safety officials learn of the latest mass shooting in our country, this one in Thousand Oaks, California.

Just 10 days ago, we too suffered a senseless tragedy when a man driven by hate entered a Squirrel Hill synagogue and opened fire: First on peaceful worshipers of the Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash congregations, and then on our Pittsburgh Police officers who ran towards gunfire to save the innocent.

We understand all too well the immense anguish that the victims’ families and first responders now must endure, and we send our deepest condolences.

We will be reaching out to the leaders of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office – who lost a sheriff’s deputy when he courageously and selflessly ran into the building with the singular goal of saving lives – to offer our sympathy and any assistance they may require.

“The nightmare that descended upon Pittsburgh on an otherwise peaceful morning has now visited the community of Thousand Oaks and Ventura County,” Pubic Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said. “No community should have to experience such a horrific tragedy. Unfortunately, these mass casualty events are becoming all too common.”

In the days to come, the names of the victims will be released and the sorrow will only intensify as we learn details of who they were and the potential we have lost. We know this all too well.

For that reason and others, the City of Pittsburgh today stands with Thousand Oaks and with all communities affected by these senseless killings. And we remember and celebrate Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, who died a hero. (Helus Pictured)

"On behalf of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, we want to express our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the innocent victims and all who were impacted by the horrific and senseless violence in Thousand Oaks," Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said. "Pittsburgh stands strong with the City of Thousand Oaks and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Rest in Peace, Sgt. Ron Helus."New Page